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Wales Online
12-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
I stayed overnight in a surreal Welsh Village with no residents and this is what happened after dark
I stayed overnight in a surreal Welsh Village with no residents and this is what happened after dark Want Wales without the crowds? Stay overnight in this eccentric, empty village by the sea Portmeirion is also well-known as the home of TV cult classic, The Prisoner (Image: Portia Jones ) I'll admit, I love quirky and off-beat places, especially if you can stay the night and explore long after the daytrippers have gone. So, imagine my delight when I discovered a colourful coastal attraction in Wales with no residents, cars, schools, or banks. I knew I had to visit at once and packed my finest attire (£3 dress from Vinted). Inspired by Portofino's multicoloured façades, Portmeirion is a uniquely constructed tourist village that offers a slice of Italy on the bracing Welsh coast. Named one of the UK's 'most beautiful' places by Time Out, the pretty village is one of Wales' most popular attractions and is normally full of visitors. By night, however, Portmeirion empties out, leaving just the overnight guests, staying in one of the quirky 'village rooms' or in one of two luxury 4-star hotels. If you want to experience one of the most enchanting places in Wales without the crowds, book an overnight stay and you'll practically have the place to yourself. Especially if you stay outside of the busy school holidays. I booked an off-season stay for my wedding anniversary and experienced Portmeirion's charm after hours. Here's why you should, too. Article continues below Why Portmeirion is unique This pretty village in Wales has been compared to Italy for its beautiful buildings and coast (Image: Getty Images ) Portmeirion isn't quite like the other villages in Wales. There are no permanent residents at Portmeirion as it's a uniquely constructed village designed specifically for tourists who pay an entrance fee to wander around colourful Italianate buildings. This whimsical village was born out of the long-held ambition of its founder, architect Clough Williams-Ellis. His creative vision for an Italianate-style, private peninsula village on the Welsh coast resulted in a charming tourist destination with a Mediterranean feel. While many think of the village as the indulgent whimsy of an eccentric architect, Clough recognised the value of tourism to the Welsh economy. He had a clear vision for managed tourism and sustainability, clearly hugely ahead of the curve. Clough acquired the wilderness site in 1925 and dedicated his life to developing this run-down peninsula into a popular coastal attraction. He drew heavily from the coloured façades of Portofino, resulting in dream-like, pastel-coloured buildings, ornamental gardens, and piazzas with fancy fountains and a giant chess set. Strolling around, it feels like each building has its own personality; some are playful, with bright facades and ornate details, while others are stately, exuding an old-world charm. This is honestly like nowhere you've ever seen before, it's weird and wonderful and is bound to captivate even the most cynical of souls. This is honestly like nowhere you've ever seen before, it's weird and wonderful and is bound to captivate even the most cynical of souls. (Image: Portia Jones ) Sir Clough's clever use of arches, slopes and window sizes also makes the village appear larger than it is, and many of the buildings have been 'upcycled' from former sites. Classical buildings were salvaged from demolition, giving rise to Clough's description of Portmeirion as "a home for fallen buildings." Construction of the site continued in stages until 1976, when Clough sadly passed away. Portmeirion is also well-known as the home of TV cult classic, The Prisoner, starring Patrick McGoohan. The series was filmed here in the 1960s, and the village provided a surreal backdrop to the off-beat series. Alongside its unique architectural heritage, the private, ticketed site features two swanky hotels, self-catering cottages, an indulgent spa, gift shops, cafés, restaurants and an authentic Italian-style gelateria. From superstar gigs to cosy pubs, find out What's On in Wales by signing up to our newsletter here Portmeirion was born out of the long-held ambition of its founder, architect Clough Williams-Ellis (Image: Portia Jones ) Walking into Portmeirion for the first time is undoubtedly an experience. The village rises like a painted mirage, with pastel-coloured buildings and whimsical towers that seem plucked from a fairytale. Here, clusters of lush and green trees frame the view while the estuary beyond glitters under the changing light of the Welsh sky. From the moment you cross the threshold, it's clear that this is not just any village; Portmeirion is a visual masterpiece, and it's worth exploring when dusk falls and the crowds clear out. Why you should stay overnight in Portmeirion Staying overnight in one of the 'village rooms' is like being let in on a secret (Image: Portia Jones ) Portmeirion is a wildly popular tourist attraction in Wales, with around 200,000 visitors annually. During the day, the site is packed with people who come for the colourful architecture, cafes and spa. The village empties as the day draws on and the shadows grow longer. The daytrippers, who fill the streets with chatter and snapping cameras, slowly disperse. It's in these quiet moments that Portmeirion reveals another side to its character, a serene, almost mystical atmosphere that envelops the village as the sun dips below the horizon. This is the best time to be in Portmeirion when day visitors have gone, and you can roam the surreal site with fewer crowds. Only overnight guests can be on site after the village has 'closed' for the day, so make the most of the near-empty streets. Portmeirion village rooms We stayed in one of the 'Village rooms' above the central piazza (Image: Portia Jones ) Stay overnight in one of the 'village rooms' and you'll be right in the centre of Portmeirion. When the crowds are gone, Portmeirion is yours alone to discover. Wandering through the quiet streets, with the village illuminated by the soft glow of the street lamps, you feel like you're in a Wes Anderson fever dream. We stayed in one of the swish 'Village rooms' above the central piazza, giving you a gorgeous panorama of the village as the sun sets and the last guests leave. Stepping out onto the balcony, you can look over the picturesque piazza and the village and get some gorgeous photos without hordes of visitors in your shot. Perfect if you love taking photos like me. Accommodation options The Hotel Portmeirion overlooks the Dwyryd Estuary (Image: Getty Images ) Portmeirion offers various accommodation options, each with its own unique charm. Choose between the sophisticated 4-star Hotel Portmeirion, the chic and modern 4-star Castell Deudraeth, the characterful Village Rooms, or an array of distinctive self-catering cottages. The flagship spot to stay is the 4-star Hotel Portmeirion, lovingly converted from an old Victorian villa. It was opened in 1926 by village creator Clough Williams-Ellis to much fanfare. The hotel has undergone refurbishments over the years to modernise its style while retaining some original features. The Grade II-listed hotel is also famous for being the place where English playwright Noel Coward wrote Blithe Spirit in 1941. It feels very stately with its cosy sofas set around an Italian-style fireplace and Art Deco-inspired design in the bar and dining room. The other impressive accommodation, Castell Deudraeth, is a 4-star, Victorian castellated mansion built by David Williams with 11 modern and spacious rooms. In the heart of Portmeirion Village, you'll also find 32 individually designed rooms, each brimming with character. These charming accommodations combine the comforts of a traditional hotel with the added bonus of being located right inside the vibrant village. Dinner at Portmeirion The village has plenty of dining options (Image: Portia Jones ) The village has plenty of dining options for daytrippers, from cafés to a 1950s-style bar and even an Italian gelateria. Opening days and hours depend on the season, so it's always worth checking ahead first. The bonus of staying the night in Portmeirion, though, is having a fancy dinner at one of the village's two full-service restaurants without huge crowds. We had a romantic dinner at the Portmeirion Hotel Dining Room, the perfect end to a whimsical day. We chose dishes from the varied menu and feasted on Welsh beef filet and Welsh Pork tenderloin, which were utterly divine. With its elegant décor and sweeping views of the estuary, this award-winning Art Deco Restaurant offers a refined dining experience rooted in the local landscape. Executive head chef Mark Threadgill and his skilled team, led by head chef Daniel Griffiths, work their culinary magic in the kitchen. They source the finest local ingredients, some even foraged from within the village, to craft a distinctive modern Welsh cuisine. Their dishes blend traditional French techniques with Japanese flavours, offering a dynamic and ever-evolving menu that highlights the freshest seasonal produce. Celebrating? Splash out on the taster menu featuring six courses and an optional cheese course. Typical dishes include Wild sea bass with cep mushroom, Welsh black truffle and chicken sauce, Sand carrot with puy lentils and hazelnuts, and Banana with miso caramel. What to do in Portmeirion As the day rolls on, the crowds start to leave (Image: Portia Jones ) Whether you are a day visitor or staying the night, there are plenty of things to keep you entertained in Portmeirion Discover nature Despite its coastal location, Portmeirion is not just a summer destination. The 130-acre site, set amid woodlands and carefully manicured gardens, offers some of the most stunning scenery in Wales, magical for spring blooms or vibrant autumn colours. The microclimate of the peninsula also protects it from the worst of the winter frosts, although it has snowed here on occasion, much to the delight of photographers. Take the scenic, 40-minute walk through the Gwyllt woodland to explore a wild garden designed by the horticulturalist Caton Haigh, an authority on Himalayan trees and exotic plants. Two main paths lead into the pretty woodlands, and 19 miles (30.5km) of walking paths lead to highlights such as the Ghost Garden, Tangle Wood, and Chinese Lake. Each season brings new life to Portmeirion's manicured gardens with textures and colours anew as you wander through its cobbled streets and piazzas. For sweeping views of the estuary, head to Clifftop & Chantry Row or walk to the Mermaid Spa for superb coastal views. Nearby, you'll also find the Min y Don to Black Rock Sands section of the long-distance Wales Coast Path. After you visit the village, you can veer off for a longer walk on the Welsh coast to discover its impressive, rocky shorelines. Despite its coastal location, Portmeirion is not just a summer destination (Image: Portia Jones ) Shopping Portmeirion also has a range of well-heeled and bespoke shops, including the world's only Prisoner TV Show Shop. Here, you can buy memorabilia from the show, such as maps, badges, Village Foods tins and figures. Elsewhere, you'll find Welsh language and tourism books at the bookstore, a curated collection of gifts and local products at The Ship Shop, Welsh produce, and Portmeirion's very own wine and champagne at Pot Jam. Portmeirion Online also offers a range of Portmeirion-branded gifts and souvenirs to commemorate your visit. Browse printed mugs, tea towels, and chocolates alongside a small selection of discounted Portmeirion pottery. Portmeirion even has its own dedicated shop outside of the village in the harbour town of Porthmadog. Siop Fawr Portmeirion is a homeware store and café in the former three-storey Kerfoots, which is thought to be the oldest department store in North Wales, dating back to 1874. Have an indulgent spa The boutique Mermaid Spa offers a restorative experience by the sea and has a range of luxury and wellbeing treatments to help you unwind. Enjoy a re-energising facial, warming hot stone massage, or indulgent body wrap with views of the peaceful Dwyryd Estuary as you slip into quiet bliss. Expert therapists use high-quality and vegan-friendly products to deliver all-natural therapies that keep with the village's upmarket feel. Various spa packages, including bespoke options, are available, and you don't need to be an overnight guest to book. You can even indulge in a post-spa afternoon tea in Hotel Portmeirion for the perfect pamper day in North Wales. This is definitely not a budget stay in Wales, but if you want to splash out on a swanky stay, it's absolutely worth the money (Image: North Wales Live ) Verdict This is definitely not a budget stay in Wales, but if you want to splash out on a swanky trip, it's absolutely worth the money. My advice: go all in. Have a fancy dinner, book a spa treatment, splurge in the shop. This is a 'go big, or go home' type of staycation, so make the most of it. For more information and booking, click here. Article continues below
Daily Record
11-06-2025
- Daily Record
Inside the Scottish Highland house that served as secret base in WW2 now for sale
The historic Highland home that once held secret agents during World War Two is now for sale at over £1.3 million A remote Highland retreat with a top-secret wartime past is now on sale for offers over £1.3 million, according to a listing by Galbraith Group. Inverlair Lodge, a six-bedroom estate near Tulloch in Inverness-shire, once played a hidden but vital role in the Allied war effort. In 1941, it was taken over by the Special Operations Executive (SOE), Churchill's shadow army of saboteurs and spies, not for training, but to quietly house foreign agents too dangerous to release yet unfit for duty. Known as No. 6 Special Workshop School, the lodge offered these 'troublesome' operatives a secluded exile, keeping them occupied with tasks like mending boots and salvaging scrap metal under watch by British soldiers. The house's secretive past has inspired everything from the 1960s spy drama The Prisoner to Guy Ritchie's 2024 film The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare. Now restored, the lodge sits amid unspoilt Highland beauty, with views over the River Spean and access to walking trails, Munros, and the Nevis Range resort. Despite its seclusion, Tulloch Bridge station is nearby, with sleeper trains to London, and Glasgow Airport is two hours away.
Scotsman
29-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
What time is Interior Design Masters final on TV?
BBC's Interior Design Masters will hold its series 6 final tonight 🚨 Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Interior Design Masters series six final will take place tonight. The two remaining designers will go head-to-head to win a contract with John Lewis. But what time exactly will the final be on TV? The winner of Interior Design Masters series six will be crowned in just a matter of hours. Just two designers remain in the competition and will face one final challenge this evening. Head judge Michelle Ogundehin will be casting her eye over their creations for one last time - before picking who will win the 2025 season of the BBC show. However before that there will be a trip to Wales for the competitors. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad But when is the final on today and what can you expect from it? Here's all you need to know: What time is Interior Design Masters on TV? Cast of Interior Design Masters series six | Interior Design Masters / DSP / BBC One After seven weeks of fierce competition, the final of series 6 of the beloved BBC show is set to take place tonight (May 29). It is due to begin at 8pm and the final will last for approximately an hour. It will be live on BBC One/ HD and also iPlayer. Viewers who can't watch it as it airs will be able to find it on demand via the Beeb's streaming platform. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Interior Design Masters will be followed by the latest episode of Ambulance. Who are the Interior Design Masters finalists? The show was rocked by the departure of a fan favourite last week - as Craig Mason didn't quite make the grade in the semi-final. He bowed out of the competition in week seven and it leaves only John Cooper and Rita Millat. The two finalists will face one last task and will have to impress Michelle as well as this week's guest judge Sophie Robinson. The winner will secure a major contract with retail giant John Lewis. What can you expect from the Interior Design Masters final? For the last task of series 6, the two remaining designers will be heading to the storybook village of Portmeirion in Gwynedd and face the challenge of redesigning a quirky cottage each. The Welsh attraction was used during the filming of the iconic 1960s show The Prisoner. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The preview for the final, via Radio Times , reads: 'Taking inspiration from colourful buildings and spectacular scenery, they show Michelle Ogundehin and guest judge Sophie Robinson everything they have learned over the last eight weeks before one of them wins the contest, thereby securing a major collaboration contract for a range with retailer John Lewis.' Have you got a story you want to share with our readers? You can now send it to us online via YourWorld at . It's free to use and, once checked, your story will appear on our website and, space allowing, in our newspapers.
Wales Online
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
Pretty Welsh village offers 'slice of Italy' without actually leaving the UK
Pretty Welsh village offers 'slice of Italy' without actually leaving the UK Wales is made up of multiple cities and villages and is a hotspot for domestic tourism due to its natural beauty and landscape - and one pretty Welsh village in particular has been likened to Italy A pretty village in Wales has been compared to Italy for its beautiful buildings and coast (stock photo) (Image: Getty Images ) Wales has plenty of beautiful spots loved by tourists and locals, and one Welsh village is said to offer a 'slice of Italy.' Italy is known for its stunning scenery, including the Mediterranean coastline, and it has many colourful buildings. People also travel to Wales for its natural beauty, as it is popular with those who like to go on outdoor adventures like hiking and its beaches. Portmeirion is a pretty small village in Gwynedd, North Wales that lies on the estuary of the River Dwyryd and has been compared to Italy. According to the official website, the Italian Riviera 'meets rural Wales with a riot of colour and architectural styles at Portmeirion Village.' The village is well known as the location for the 1960s TV series The Prisoner and it is made up of a range of 'colour-washed buildings around a central piazza, scenic surroundings and extensive woodlands, two hotels, historic cottages, gift shops, a spa and award winning restaurants.' A user on TikTok posted a video on the platform walking around some of the beautiful areas of Portmeirion Village. The post's caption reads: 'A slice of Italy in UK. Perfect place for weekend break from London. Colourful houses, coastal vibes!' The short clip shows vibrantly-coloured buildings with stunning architecture and some have domes and arched windows with balconies. Article continues below Content cannot be displayed without consent There's also an array of trees of different sizes, flowers and a lily-covered lake in the exotic Japanese Garden. The Portmeirion website states that the subtropical forest features some of Britain's largest trees, secret gardens, a derelict castle and rare flowers. Visitors can further explore the 70 acres of exotic woodlands with 19 miles of pathways which cut through forests, secret spaces and coastal coves. There are secret sites like the Dog Cemetery, Tanglewood, Ghost Garden and Shelter Valley. Unusual species can be found in Portmeirion as during the Victorian period, former tenants Henry Seymour Westmacott and later Sir Williams Fothergill Cook, a popular botanist, planted a mixture of monkey puzzle trees, pines, magnolias, camellias, giant redwoods and various rhododendrons on the estate. For those who enjoy strolling on the beach, the Dwyryd Estuary at Portmeirion Village has white sandy beaches to be discovered. Portemeirion dates back to the early 19th century as in 1925, Welsh architect Clough Williams-Ellis acquired the site which was to become the village. The website adds: 'The concept of a tightly grouped coastal village had been envisaged by Clough Williams-Ellis years before he found the site, close to his own home in North Wales, on which he managed to realise his dream.' The architect had been searching for a suitable site for his proposed ideal village for several years and when he heard that the Aber Iâ estate near Penrhyndeudraeth was for sale, he 'did not hesitate to make an offer.' Article continues below You can book tickets to visit Portmeirion Village for the day online via the website or at the toll booth on the day. Tickets cost £20 per adult, £13 for children between five and 15-years-old and younger children can visit for free.
Wales Online
18-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
'SWAT' police with 'large rifles' seen as roads sealed off in Cardiff
'SWAT' police with 'large rifles' seen as roads sealed off in Cardiff A number of roads have been blocked off and are expected to remain shut until 10pm. Lots of activity can be seen in the area Filming taking place in Cardiff city centre on Sunday (Image: Richard Swingler ) Parts of Cardiff have come to a standstill on Sunday, May 18, as roads are closed off and police in 'SWAT' gear with large 'rifles' are spotted. But before you worry that something serious is happening, it's actually due to filming taking place in the city centre. Roads in and around the Principality Stadium have been blocked off as camera crews, equipment trucks and actors descend on the Welsh capital. Crews could be seen filming directly outside Stadium Plaza and on nearby Park Street outside the Media Wales building. Some of the actors appeared to be wearing SWAT-like gear and were carrying large weapons. According to Cardiff Council, Scott Road, Park Street and Havelock Street have been closed off to members of the public since 6am and all will remain shut until 10pm on Sunday evening. For the latest Cardiff news, sign up to our newsletter here . Actors outside the Principality Stadium on Sunday morning (Image: Richard Swingler ) It's understood the filming taking place is for a new Sky series called The Prisoner. The series will be a spin-off from the original 1960s series 'Prisoner', which was also filmed in Wales and starred Patrick McGoohan. Filming for the new series also took place in the Adamsdown area of Cardiff earlier this week. Article continues below Filming takes place on Park Street (Image: Richard Swingler ) The Prisoner is a relationship drama that follows a young prison officer escorting a dangerous, high-value prisoner to court to testify against his elite crime syndicate, with their relationship evolving throughout the dangerous journey. The shoot is expected to last a few weeks in different locations (Image: Richard Swingler ) The series is set to star BAFTA and Golden Globe-award nominated Tahar Rahim, best known for his role in The Serpent, and Izuka Hoyle, who featured in the recent Netflix series Boiling Point. Eddie Marsan, who is known for his roles in V for Vendetta, Hancock and The Worlds End, is also set to star. Actors on Park Street (Image: Richard Swingler ) The Prisoner has been penned by Oscar-nominated screenwriter Matt Charman and filming will be based in Cardiff over the next few weeks. Article continues below Of course it is not the first time in recent years that Cardiff has been used as a set for film and TV, with the city being used extensively for hit BBC shows Doctor Who and Sherlock.
